Copying Apple is a business model of some kind, I guess

by Port of San Diego

Apple’s iPad 2 prompts Samsung to improve ‘inadequate’ parts of Galaxy Tab 10.1
[Via AppleInsider]

Samsung is headed back to the drawing board for its forthcoming Galaxy Tab 10.1 to improve “inadequate” parts and reconsider pricing after Apple unveiled its iPad 2 this week.

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As one commenter wrote they watched the keynote and then told their engineers “Make it like that!”

It now needs to be 20% thinner, be twice as fast and have the same battery live, while costing the same.

Wait to see what Apple has and then retool their own products.  Apple makes an announcement and its products are available in a week. Samsung announced this model last month said it would be available in Europe in the spring – no mention of the US – but is back ‘improving’ it. I wonder how long it will take to get out now.

Most likely it’ll only have few months before the next version of iPad starts sucking up all the winds. Following the leader, who gets all the s=wind, is not a good strategy when racing boats. It is really not a good longtime strategy for companies either.

Because they never really learn what their customers want. They just hope to swaggle a few of APple’s away.

First subscription worth buying

BBC iPlayer will cost ‘fewer than $10′ a month for international subscribers
[Via Engadget]

As you know, the BBC’s iPlayer online video catchup portal is about to strap its boots on and go international via the iPad some time this year, a subscription service which has now been priced at “fewer than $10″ per month. That’s the word direct from Mark Thompson, director general of the grand old corporation, who also assures us that the global launch is definitely coming in 2011. iPad and Android apps for the iPlayer were recently launched in the BBC’s homeland, so the technical requirements have already been fulfilled — now it’s probably just a matter of dotting some Is, crossing some Ts, and making sure Jeremy Clarkson doesn’t score you a lawsuit with his outspoken bravado.

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This would be very nice when it happens. Having access to the BBC, and perhaps to a couple of other channels if rumors are to be believed, could be a lot of fun. Now if I could get access to all the soccer games …

Best discussion on BYU’s decision

Wherein I actually approach the subject of sports | dooce®
[Via dooce]

I’ve been asked by countless readers if I’d weigh in on the story of BYU suspending Brandon Davies from the basketball team (which earlier this week was ranked No. 3 in the country) for violating its honor code, one that prohibits consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, premarital sex, and also reaches far into a student’s wardrobe (no tank tops for women) and whether or not men can have facial hair (only if it is medically necessary).

[More]

A very balanced and thoughtful discussion from someone who lived BYU’s honor code. I hope the young man, and his girlfriend, have some strong support to help him because no one should have to deal with this at such a young age on a national stage.

A month ago he was just a basketball player. Now he is an opinion for all America. He did the right thing by fessing up. Now I hope he is strong enough to overcome his mistake and lead a strong life.